In 1999 the Formula1 circus arrived at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) for the first time. From that moment onwards the circuit has always been a favorite among fans and drivers. An important detail of this wonderful circuit is the width of the 5,542 kilometers long track. Counting an average cross-cut of 16 meters this is the widest of all circuits where the Grand Prix is driven. A wide circuit means there are more opportunities to overtake, and it contributes to a larger safety factor.
Especially the good opportunities to overtake add a lot of tension and sensation to the race. Sepang International Circuit has two large main tribunes offering space for 30.000 visitors. Next to Formula1 and MotoGP, numerous other races take place at Sepang International Circuit.
In total the circuit offers room for 130.000 visitors; this makes Sepang Int. Circuit one of the biggest circuits in the world when it comes to visitor numbers. There’s a big, mobile, uncovered tribune as well, but also a big open ground from where one has a view of several curves. A good thing is that all the spaces for viewers are higher than the track, integrating the circuit into the landscape.
The two most popular places to watch the race from are the Main Grandstand and the Grandstand (K1). Main Grandstand ticket owners are allowed in the mall area, where you have a chance to run into famous movie stars or performers. Main Grandstand seats all have clear view on the track, some tribunes look directly onto the pit-lane, other tribunes onto the starting grid.
Located at only 3,5 kilometers from the airport, the Formula1 track is very favorably situated. The distance to Kuala Lumpur is about 80 km. There are several hotels close to Sepang Circuit and Kuala Lumpur International Airport, but you can also stay in one of many luxurious hotels in the city of Kuala Lumpur (more on how to travel from Kuala Lumpur to the tracks below).
The temperature on and around the Sepang Circuit is usually one of the highest on the Formula1 calendar. Sepang circuit is a mixture of slow curves which require optimal grip, and quick sections where the driver needs maximal stability. Especially curves 9 and 11 are important, because the drivers have to brake in the curve, subjected to heavy lateral acceleration. This means the set-up and the configuration of the electronics must be done with care. The tarmac is fairly sanding and in combination with the high temperatures this means massive erosion.
Buying tickets for races on Sepang International Circuit
You can buy the tickets at the official Sepang Circuit website.
How to get to Sepang International Circuit
There are multiple ways to get to Sepang Circuit. Getting there by bus usually is the easiest and cheapest option. During race weekends SkyBus operates a special bus schedule, with busses departing from numerous locations in Kuala Lumpur.
Another easy option is to take a taxi or metro to KL Sentral, the main train station of Kuala Lumpur. Here you can take the fast train – KLIA Express – to the airport (KLIA). From here you walk to the bus station to take the bus to the tracks (you can take the bus that goes to the budget terminal LCCT and get off in front of the circuit).
Many locals visit the tracks by car during race weekends, which often leads to massive traffic jams. There is ample parking space available, but a parking ticket costs RM50 per car.
After the race it will be difficult to get a bus or taxi back to KL or KLIA. Be prepared for long waiting times, or high (premier) taxi fares.
Check out the .pdf “How to get to Sepang” here.
Map of Sepang International Circuit
Check out the full screen version of the map of the circuit.
Pushpitha
9 years ago
April 7, 2015 at 4:01 pm
Sepang is one place every visitor must visit when on tour in Malaysia. This place offers very good accommodation and if you are heading out to Sepang one option would be to consider AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort. Lovely place with great service to offer.